Troubleshooting 4 Common Headlight Problems

At-Home Solutions for Everyday Headlight Issues

Know the signs of when to change out your headlights

No matter how small the project may be, any trip to a certified mechanic is guaranteed to place unwanted strain on your pocketbook. Automotive headlights are constantly having issues. However, they are often incredibly simple to fix. Not only will this brief “how-to” save you time and money, but you can now take pride in successfully fixing a problem with your vehicle.

If your car is simply in need of a quick fix, needing only a cheap replacement part, check with Sturtevant Auto and see if we've got used parts for your make and model in our huge pick and pull junkyard near Milwaukee.

Some Important Safety Tips

The chances of running into any issues while working on your headlight assembly are relatively low in comparison to a lot of other automotive procedures. However, it is still necessary to outline a few essential safety guidelines when operating on any vehicle.

Your engine is hot. Wait for it to cool down before working on it in any way. Especially avoid any metal components and pipes around the engine block.

Turn the engine off before you work near it. Use some basic common sense. Getting your hand sucked in by a rotating belt or other assembly is no one’s idea of a great time.

Be careful while working near electrical areas. Thinking about using a fork to get into that hard-to-reach area in order to test a wires connection? Think again. Again, always think of ways to avoid being lit up like a Roman candle.

When in doubt…If you have to think about it, it’s more than likely a bad idea. Use your brain.

Headlight Fuse Keeps Blowing Out

If you keep blowing a headlight fuse, give these simple steps a try.

Unplug the light, pull the switch, and see if the fuse blows. If not, the problem is not in the wiring.

Make sure you have purchased the correct wattage of bulb.

Ensure that you do not have a faulty or damaged bulb.

Check and see if your high beam bulb is the issue. If so, replace it.

Check all wired connections and look for any exposed wiring.

Headlight Bulb Keeps Burning Out

Should you find yourself replacing your headlight bulbs way too often, there more than likely is an underlying issue. Before you take your car into the mechanic consider the following options:

Don’t handle the bulb with your bare fingers. Oils can cause bulbs to burn out quickly. Handle all headlight bulbs with surgical gloves and replace any existing bulbs that may have been handled incorrectly.

The problem could be in your installation process. Look up online videos and guides on how to properly replace your specific vehicle’s headlight.

Make sure the bulb is held securely in place, with no wiggle room or unnecessary motion. Bulbs that are prone to excess motion are known to break and burn out much faster.

Check your bulb sockets for signs of corrosion. They may need replaced completely. We have a large selection of salvageable Nissan, Toyota, and Ford parts/accessories should this be the route you decide to take.

Headlight Flickers On and Off

Faulty headlights can lead to a dangerous situation on the road!

Should you find yourself with a headlight that is flickering on and off, the most common issue is a poor connection somewhere along the line.

First, try the simple fix by checking your battery clamp connections. They can gradually become loose from your engine’s constant vibration. Try wiggling every wire in the headlight circuit (don’t electrocute yourself) to see if you can pinpoint a specific culprit. Try and establish a more sturdy connection when a wire is singled out. In a worst-case scenario the entire headlight wiring assembly may need replaced by a professional. Also, as with other troubleshooting issues, if you are using a bulb with too high of a wattage, this can make your headlights flicker as well.

Headlight’s Low-Beams are Malfunctioning

Unless blinding everyone else on the road with your hi-beams simply because one or both of your low beam lights are malfunctioning is your thing, then it’s time to get to work, and troubleshoot your low beam lights.

If it is just a single faulty bulb, try replacing it temporarily with the bulb from the opposite headlamp. If it works, the bulb simply needs replaced.

The most common reason for faulty low-beam lights is a blown fuse. Check your car’s owner’s manual for information on how to access the fuses and where they are located. Check for melted wires leading to any of the fuses, and replace said fuses if necessary.

Use a voltmeter to make sure that power is actually running to your headlight. If not, then the problem is in your wiring. At this point, a mechanic should be consulted.

Pick and Pull Replacement Headlight Parts

Sturtevant Auto salvage yard has a huge stock of used and replacement headlight parts for many of the most popular brands of cars and trucks, including Jeep, Chrysler, Ford, Subaru, Volkswagen, and many, many more. Pick and pull headlight bulbs, assemblies, covers and more headlight components for yourself at our Milwaukee salvage yard.

Headlight Part Replacements for Most Auto Manufacturers & Models

Shop our junkyard new Milwaukee for the specific auto manufacturer make and model you need:

If you’re looking to fix your headlight on your own and need some cheap parts to help make it happen, stop by our pick and pull salvage yard in Sturtevant, just a few miles west of Racine. Chances are, we’ve got what you need.